OPEN CALL
Converting Underutilized Resources Into High Value-Added Products In Puerto Rico
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BACKGROUND
Puerto Rico, like most islands across the globe, has an issue with waste. Over 4 million tons are produced per year and only 9-14% of that is recycled, compared to the average recycling rate in the U.S. of 32%. Lack of access to curbside recycling and inconsistent services mean that recyclable materials often don’t make it into the system. Additionally, due to the prevalence and availability of inexpensive dumping at formal and informal landfills, there is little incentive for communities to pursue recycling systems further. This has resulted in many local landfills operating in an unsanitary manner or facing closure orders from the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Puerto Rico also relies heavily on imports, which account for 85% of the food consumed on the island, for example. This combination leads to a lot of waste being brought to the island without good mechanisms for disposal or reuse of resources. Many resources could be repurposed and used for new products, contributing to the circular economy and reducing the reliance on raw materials. The creation of circular manufacturing models in Puerto Rico could reduce the reliance on import of new products, an expensive endeavor that creates high prices and long wait times for new items.
OUR THESIS
Opportunity Spaces
Tires to High Value Commodities
Strengthening the island’s existing tire recycling ecosystem by enabling the production of high value commodities (e.g. recovered carbon black (RCB), oils, downstream products using RCB such as building materials, water filtration systems, creative applications, etc). Technologies of interest should work within the island’s generation of 18,000 tires per day while remaining economically viable.
Increasing the Viability of On-Island Plastics Recycling
- Exploring modular technology solutions for an economically feasible process for the on-island conversion of waste plastics into new products or high value commodities such as fuels and hydrogen. Technologies that can accommodate relatively low volumes of plastics generation and collection but allow for conversion into a high value product or commodity will be prioritized.
- Innovative approaches for dynamically estimating and tracking waste generation and disposal (with a focus on plastic) in an environment with limited data availability. Approaches of interest include computer vision, AI/automated waste modeling and analytics, and accountability dashboards, among others.
Sargassum Valorization
This project seeks to test the potential of creating a new value chain for sargassum in Puerto Rico by capitalizing on the increased sargassum accumulation in the last decade. Pilots can address one or more stages in the value chain, including collection, bio-refinement, and productization. Solutions should seek to create the pathway for an integrated sargassum value-chain.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We seek to pilot with startups at any stage working on impact-driven advancements in waste diversion within and adjacent to the identified opportunity spaces. If you are developing a novel technology, product, or service within one of these areas, learn more and apply today.